PORTLAND -- The Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $238,000 federal grant to replace its outdated and inadequate radio system.

A formal acknowledgment of the grant is scheduled to take place at noon today at Town Hall, involving fire department officials led by Chief Scott Currier, First Selectwoman Susan S. Bransfield, and U.S. Rep. John Larson, (D-1).

The award to Portland is the largest to four such grants awarded to Connecticut fire departments by the DHS totaling some $444,933. The other recipients are Montville, Voluntown, and the Turn of River department.

Fire officials said the existing radio system is woefully inadequate.

Currier said the present system has an inadequate communications capability, is unable to communicate with other agencies, and lacks an alternative or back-up communications system for emergency services.

Captain Bruce Thivierge and Lieutenant James Coughlin took on the responsibility for developing a replacement system and writing the successful grant application, Currier said.

The new system is projected to cost approximately $265,000; under the terms of the grant, the town will be responsible for 10 percent of the total projected cost, Bransfield said, or approximately $26,500.

"I want to commend Capt. Thivierge and Lt. Coughlin fortheir initiative and their hard work in obtaining this grant," Bransfield said. "Portland is very fortunate to have such an excellent volunteer fire department, with members who are willing to go that extra mile. I am thrilled."

Currier added his congratulations to Thivierge and Coughlin, saying, "They did an excellent job, especially in researching the technical information required for the grant application."

"This grant will allow our fire department to improve and update our communication infrastructure," the chief continued. "Portland will greatly benefit from this award, which enhances the safety of all Portland's citizens. The extra dollars are greatly appreciated."

The award was made as part of the Assistance to Firefighters grant program which is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Monies from the grant program can be used for firefighter health and safety programs, new firefighting apparatus, emergency medical service programs, and fire prevention and safety programs.

The grant award was announced jointly by the state's two U.S. senators, Christopher J. Dodd and Joseph I. Lieberman.

"Cities and towns throughout Connecticut are in desperate need of resources and equipment to help their firefighters better do their jobs and stay safe," Dodd said. "This funding is a step in the right direction toward getting life-saving equipment to our first responders. We cannot put a price tag on their safety."

"Firefighters put their lives on the line every day for the rest of the community," Lieberman said. "The least we can do is make sure they have the training and equipment they need to do their jobs properly."

Dodd, who authored the original bill, which was co-sponsored by Lieberman, said the money "will help fire departments across the country strengthen their response capabilities."

In all, some 13,970 grants have been awarded to communities throughout the nation, totaling more than $942 million since the legislation was enacted in 2000.

Bransfield thanked the two legislators "for their help in securing these much-needed dollars for Portland."